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Genre Hopping for 4-6 Graders

Learners in grades 4-6 (or 9-12 years old) will come to a lesson having already read a book. We'll chat about genres, practice how to talk about books, and, of course, the book we all just read. Ideal mix of educational and fun.
April the Librarian
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Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
This will be an ongoing club that celebrates different book genres. This is the age to try out new things - maybe you love sci fi and you just don't know it yet, perhaps a poet is hiding inside you, or maybe graphic novels are much cooler than you expected. A recent library survey showed that adults tend to read 1-2 genres, but there's a whole world of books waiting, and so many genres to like. Not excited about the book we're reading? This is an on-going class that will loop around with all new books. Try it then! 

Each session, learners will arrive already having read the book (I'll make sure to set the schedule way out so you have time to get the books from the library and read). We will talk about the book in a few different ways each session. We'll chat about the book itself, practicing book summaries and how to express your feelings about a book. We'll also talk about what worked (or didn't) about this book, and the larger genre. Finally, we'll do some shared game, activity, drawing session, or other group. 

I have led book clubs for a variety of age groups, and I have become adept at gauging comfort level, balancing participation, and encouraging discussion. This will be a highly interactive club, and readers are welcome to jump in anytime. 

Fantasy: Sunday, July 7 or Wednesday, July 10
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
What's interesting about fantasy? How do we talk about books? How was this book? Fantasy riddle game.

Historical Fiction: Sunday, July 17 or Wednesday, July 17
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic by Lauren Tarshis (can read graphic novel or traditional version)
What's interesting about historical fiction? How do we talk about books? How was this book? Drawing activity. 

Science Fiction: Sunday, July 21 or Wednesday, July 24
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
What's interesting about sci fi? How do we talk about books? How was this book? Future prediction game. 

Poetry: Sunday, July 28 or Wednesday, July 31
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein (if unavailable, another of his poetry collections can work as well)
What's interesting about poetry? How do we talk about books? How was this book? Haikus and tankas.

Realistic fiction (graphic novel format): Sunday, August 4 or Wednesday, August 7
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
What's interesting about realistic fiction? How do we talk about books? How was this book? Storytelling activity. 

We will continue on to cover comics, scary stories, mystery, folk/fairy tales, mythology, non-fiction, and autobiographies.
Learning Goals
Learners will become comfortable talking about books (beyond saying if they like it or didn't, which is a great start). They'll also try out genres they've never read before. Learners will consider the format and structures of larger genres, and be able to discuss how a single book fits into them.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
I have worked with autistic students in book clubs before, and my library celebrates inclusive programming. I am flexible, kind, patient, and always willing to learn.
Parental Guidance
All books will be checked on common sense media and via two (or more) professional library journals for age-appropriate content. If you have any concerns, please let me know and I am open to considering a title swap.
Supply List
Learners will arrive to the lesson having already read a book. The books will all be in print and easily found at any public library. There is no need to purchase any of the titles.
Joined May, 2024
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1reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
I have an M.S. in Library and Information Science. I have been a youth services librarian for much of the past 23 years. When I wasn't an active librarian, I was teaching children's literature, young adult literature, and story telling to future librarians. 

I have access to an incredible collection of children's books at my library, many of which I've selected and purchased from my book budget.  I have led book clubs for everyone from early readers to adults, but my favorite age range is tweens. 

I review 12 books a month for a professional library journal, I present at conferences, and I organize tween programming twice a month at my library. I love book clubs, and what they can offer in terms of confidence and comfort level with talking about books, and genre hopping is always so fun. 

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Live Group Class
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$18

weekly
1x per week
60 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
5-9 learners per class

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